University Advancement Report 2021-2022
Letter from the President
As we begin a new academic year, I look back at the past year with a grateful heart. I am thankful for the prayers and support of our Lancer Friends and the Lord’s faithful provision during the unprecedented pandemic disruptions over the past year and a half. We are thrilled to welcome students back to living, laughing and learning on California Baptist University’s beautiful campus for the fall semester. Faculty and staff are excited to offer students a full range of academic and extracurricular programming as we return to in-person instruction. This past year has been remarkable in so many ways, and through it all, God has held CBU in His hands. In addition to continued record enrollment for fall 2021 (11,491) the most recent graduating class represented the largest yet with 3,449 candidates who will join over
36,000 CBU alumni living their purpose in Christ. As you read through University Advancement’s FY21 Annual Report, you will notice several donor stories— evidence of God’s continued favor toward CBU. One such story tells of a loyal CBU friend who has committed up to $10 million in matching funds for various School of Christian Ministries endowment opportunities. When combined with gifts from other generous donors, this commitment has the capacity to increase CBU’s School of Christian Ministries Endowment by $40 million. Another story highlights the generosity of the Fletcher Jones Foundation toward the CBU Honors Program. Our university endowment fund surpassed $100 million this year, and we received numerous planned gift commitments, including our most significant to date of $5.3 million. As you enjoy this report,
I invite you to turn to page 11 and read further information about CBU’s endowment. I never tire of saying, “Thank you!” Thank you for being a friend to California Baptist University, for being part of its continued growth, caring about our students and supporting our mission. I have faith that the coming years will overflow with grace and mercy. This fall marks the 27th anniversary of my presidency at California Baptist University. It continues to be my honor to serve, and I look forward to seeing what we accomplish together as we begin a new year. May the Lord continue to bless! Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D. President
Table of Contents Commencement 2021
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CBU Students Say Thank You 4
Lancer Athletics
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$40 Million Endowment Challenge 10 New Deans Join CBU 6 Endowment Surpasses Fletcher Jones Foundation Gift 6 $100 Million 11
Endurance Fund Update 11
Campus News
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Alumni Spotlights
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2022 Rankings
16
Upcoming Events
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Palm Drive Legacy Society
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Parents Make a Difference
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Ways to Give
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Commencement 2021 Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of California Baptist University, congratulated hundreds of graduating students during spring commencement ceremonies held on the Front Lawn. From May 3-10, 2021, CBU held eight commencement ceremonies to honor 2021 graduates and another four ceremonies to honor the 2020 graduates who were previously celebrated with virtual commencements. The ceremonies were held outdoors to comply with health guidelines due to COVID-1.9 Each ceremony featured approximately 200 graduates and limited guests. During 2020, the total number of CBU graduates was 3,449, the largest graduating class to date. Graduation applications for spring 2021 commencement ceremonies included four candidates for doctoral, 624 for masters, and 1,169 for bachelor’s degrees, totaling 1,79 applicants. During summer commencement, 1,001 graduates celebrated graduation in CBU’s Events Center, and the university will celebrate its third and ffnal 2021 commencement ceremony in December. Ellis said the graduates had navigated the various requirements necessary to receive their diplomas. They also adapted to changes and interruptions caused by a global pandemic. Each of these graduating students has arrived at this point because of a shared commitment to the challenging yet rewarding endeavor of higher education. Each one has overcome obstacles to achieve this goal, Ellis said. The Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty and sta members join in celebrating and honoring the exceptional eorts each of you has made to earn your degree. Dr. Anthony Dockery, chair of the CBU Board of Trustees, recognized how special it was to celebrate in person. Indeed, this is the day that the Lord has made, and we are already rejoicing and being glad in it, and I know we want to celebrate, Dockery said. Ellis reminded the graduates they were leaving with the qualities embodied in the university student outcomes, known as the Core Four Academically Prepared, Biblically Rooted, Globally Minded and Equipped to Serve. I hope these outcomes will continue to inspire you going forward and that from time to time, you will reect on how they inuence you as you live your lives and serve others, Ellis said.
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This is the day has made; let u and be glad in i
which the Lord us rejoice it.
(Psalm 118:24)
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CBU Students Say Thank You!
Crystal Escobar Senior Public Health Administration Cathedral, California
I am honored to have been selected as a scholarship recipient. My dedication and passion for my studies has allowed me to achieve a 4.0 GPA and be named to the CBU President’s List. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in the community. I participated twice in a highly selective national program called e H alth Career Connection. I am also the secretary for a nonprofft organization called Full of Grace, which provides homemade meals to the unhoused. My experiences have greatly inuenced my interest in working in the public health sector, and I am inspired by the opportunity to make a dierence. Receiving this scholarship motivates me to not only complete my degree, but I also look forward to giving back to the community someday. Leaders like you have contributed to my o j urney, and your support gives me hope that my dreams will one day become a reality.
I have been a student at CBU for almost four and a half years now, and this scholarship has motivated me to ffnish my last semester as a nursing student with the utmost gratitude. I chose this career path because I value serving other people and providing help to those in need. Being awarded this scholarship directly impacts my community by supporting me as a future nurse.
Muna Abuhijleh Senior Nursing Riverside, California 4
I am thankful that I was chosen for this scholarship and will always remember the generosity that donors have provided for my education and future.
Danielle Juranek Junior Music Education Antioch, California I come from a single-parent household and live with my mom and sister, who is currently entering her senior year in college. My mom instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication and never lacked in her love and support. I would not be the woman I am today without her. Due to my family’s financial hardships, I have always worked hard in school and have spent many hours applying for different scholarships. Your gift has aided me in my studies more than you can imagine. Thank you for choosing to invest in me and my future. I feel so blessed to know you believe that with a little help, I will be something really amazing. You truly are a blessing, and I will work every day in school with that same dedication and hardworking spirit my mom taught me, knowing that I have the support of my family and the support of very generous individuals. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
The beginning of ight training was very dicult with navigating COVID-19 restrictions and becoming more familiar with a new college lifestyle. But I soon learned how to apply what I was taught in the classroom to application in the cockpit. This scholarship will be a great help as I begin my instrument ight training. I plan to graduate with a commercial pilot certicate.
Owen Colombo Sophomore Aviation Flight Alpine, California
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I am so thankful to be a scholarship recipient. It is such an encouragement and blessing to know that there are people out there that support young students like me.
New Endowed Scholarships in FY21
SEVEN new scholarships for the benefit of the School of Christian Ministries. THREE new scholarships for the benefit of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering.
Chris Sigas Junior Finance Corona, California I am a soldier in the United States Army. I just joined last year and have learned so much. I also participated in the ROTC program. Aside from being a full-time student and soldier, I have two jobs in the food industry. I am a hard worker, and I love to learn as much as possible and try new things. I want to say thank you so much for this scholarship. It is going to be so helpful to me this academic year. I truly appreciate this opportunity to continue my studies. This summer, I was in Kentucky conducting military training, and being there made me realize just how important earning my degree is.
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TOTAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 2008 ( = 5)
THREE new scholarships for the benefit of the Dr. Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education. TWO new scholarships for the benefit of the College of Arts and Sciences.
I plan to graduate in December of 2022. Thankfully, with your generous donation, I am one step closer to completing my goal.
TWO new scholarships for the benefit of the general student population. ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Thank you again.
188 FY21
168 FY20
149 FY19
132 FY18
120 FY17
112 FY16
103 FY15
93 FY14
93 FY13
93 FY12
93 FY11
92 FY10
91 FY09
ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business.
86 FY08
ONE new scholarship for the benefit of the College of Health Science.
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New Deans Join CBU
CBU’s undergraduate marketing program was named one of the top 50 marketing programs in the U.S. (Intelligent.com, 2021).
Dr. Tim Gramling was named dean of CBU’s Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business in April 2021, bringing extensive experience in business, higher education and ministry to his new post.
Dr. Tim Gramling Dean Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business
Gramling earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Harvard University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Law and Policy degree from Northeastern University in Boston. He was previously Executive Director at UEI College in Gardena, California, held leadership positions at three other universities and worked in American Express and Sprint management. Gramling also has experience serving as associate minister and senior pastor at various churches.
One of Gramling’s goals for the Jabs School of Business is to ensure that a Christian worldview guides its growth. He says that when a business works to maximize income from self-interest, it may take advantage of what people don’t knowpointing to Theranos’ and Enron’s scandals as cases in point. Gramling says that teaching business from a Christian starting point is an excellent opportunity to lead graduates ready to change the world. Gramling expects the school to continue nurturing employer relationships to develop the Jabs brand further, ensuring the curriculum meets the business community’s needs and helping people see that Jabs is different than just the typical business school it’s a good and respected brand. He quotes the saints in old hymns, saying, only what you do for God will last.
Fletcher Jones Foundation Gift Endows Honors Program The CBU Honors Program will receive a significant update thanks to a generous grant from the Fletcher Jones Foundation. When paired with a CBU institutional match, the $500,000 grant will fund a $1 million Honors Program Endowment. The endowment will be instrumental in redesigning and updating the 16-year-old Honors Program. The endowment will also fund scholarships and activities for participating Honors students. CBU’s Honors Program aspires to produce graduates who can positively affect society as instruments of change. Dr. Sam Welbaum, Honors director and assistant professor of philosophy, envisions the updated program, “Wisdom and Virtue in Community,” will be instrumental in training leaders to shepherd the global community with civility and grace, one graduating class at a time. To set up an endowment fund or give to the Honors Program Endowment, please contact Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement at peldridge@calbaptist.edu. 6
CBU placed fourth out of 36 teams at the Formula SAE International Competition in Las Vegas, NV. This is just CBU’s fifth year competing in this nationwide competition.
Dr. Phil van Haaster was named dean of CBU’s Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering in July 2021. Before coming to CBU to teach in Spring 2020, van Haaster worked in the private sector. He was awarded nearly a dozen patents from the U.S. Patent and Trade Oce for inventions related to the electronic industry.
Dr. Phil van Haaster Dean Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering
new engineers in the same way. Dr. van Haaster says that training to become an engineer is both a blessing and a curse: engineers are blessed with an ability to problem solve but cursed into thinking all issues can be solved.
He believes faith integration into instruction is the answer. He wants students to realize He received a Bachelor of Science in that their God-given critical-thinking talent Mechanical Engineering from the University cannot solve the issue of salvation, which of Southern California; a Master of Science can only come through faith in Jesus and in Engineering from the University of His sacrice on the cross. California, Los Angeles; and a Doctor of Business Administration from California D “ r. van Haaster’s teaching and administrative Baptist University. experience as well as practical achievements in engineering research combine to provide When two of van Haaster’s sons attended a solid foundation for his new position,” CBU’s College of Engineering, he saw that said Dr. Chuck Sands, CBU provost and leadership skills were taught alongside vice president for academic aairs. technical training, and he wanted to mentor
11,491! Record Enrollment Once Again students. That figure is 174 greater than the Fall 2020 enrollment and a year-over-year increase of 1.5 percent.
California Baptist University posted another record enrollment along with the return to in-person instruction this year. At the regular fall meeting of the CBU Board of Trustees, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, announced that Fall 2021 enrollment totaled 11,491
“Fall 2021 is another record-breaking enrollment increase on top of a sustained twenty-seven years of significant increases and puts CBU ahead of schedule to attain the 12,000 by 2025 goal,” Ellis said. This year’s triple-digit increase follows three years of 600-plus enrollment increases (610, 698, 618), one four-digit increase (1,113), six three-digit increases (813, 584, 616, 784, 545, 559), and the Fall 2020 increase of 272. Combined with the current year’s increase of 174 students, CBU enrollment has grown 7,386 on a base of 4,105 in Fall 2009 — an increase of 180 percent in 12 years. During the 71-year history of the institution, there have been 20 tripledigit or greater year-over-year increases, all since Fall 1995. Since Ellis arrived as president in November 1994, CBU enrollment has grown by 10,683 from 808 to 11,491, which is 14.22 times larger. 7
Undefeated WAC Champions
The 2020-21 California Baptist University women’s basketball team had three goals when the season started: win the conference regular-season title, win the conference tournament and advance in a postseason tournament. To say the Lancers accomplished their goals would be a disservice to their actual achievements. They won the Western Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles and a pair of games in the WNIT Postseason, but this team managed to do more than just that along the way. The Lancers would check off their rst goal as a 15-point win over Grand Canyon guaranteed the program’s rst outright WAC regular-season championship. After sweeping Seattle U on the road, the Lancers would clinch the WAC’s rst-ever undefeated regular-season record the following weekend. Ultimately, a 26-1 season record would become a national talking point as well as a benchmark in the department’s transition to becoming a full NCAA Division I member institution. The Lancers maintained the nation’s longest active win streak for most of the season, nally surpassing inactive Princeton at 22-0 to claim sole ownership of that title. With the number one seed rmly in hand, the Lancers earned a rst-round bye in their inaugural trip to Las e V gas for the WAC conference tournament. Unfazed by the fact that they could not obtain the WAC automatic qualier bid to the NCAA Tournament due to their transition status, the Lancers won their games against NM State and GCU by an average margin of victory of 21.5 points, which earned them the right to cut down the nets for a second time this season.
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Ane Olaeta Graduate Student WAC Nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year The Western Athletic Conference announced its 2021 nominees for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award and named California Baptist University basketball’s Ane Olaeta as one of the conference’s two nominees. Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year award is rooted in Title IX and recognizes graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers. The Woman of the Year Selection Committee will now choose the Top 30 honorees, who will be celebrated and the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year will be named later.
Keith to the Dodgers
Wrestling to Join Big12
Damon Keith added to California Baptist University’s nextlevel success when the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him during the 2021 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
California Baptist University wrestling has received a letter of intent from the Big 12 Conference regarding affliate membership starting in 2022-23.
The Dodgers selected Keith in the 18th round at 552 overall. He becomes the 36th Lancer to be drafted and the 25th under Coach Gary Adcock. Adcock has now had at least one player drafted in 11 of the last 12 years.
The Big 12 is currently home to Air Force, Fresno State, Iowa State, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, South Dakota State, Utah Valley, West Virginia and Wyoming. The Lancers would give the conference 12 teams in 2022-23, as Fresno State is set to discontinue its program at the end of this season.
Keith emerged as CBU’s top draft prospect this year after being named an NCAA Top 200 prospect by Perfect Game. He only improved his stock this season with a campaign that earned him 2021 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors. He led the conference in home runs and runs, and ranked in the top ten in seven other offensive categories.
“CBU continues to achieve sustained growth in academic programming, enrollment, physical plant expansion, fiscal resource development, and athletic attainment. Affliating with the prestigious Big 12 in wrestling is an honor that aligns with our pursuit of excellence,” CBU President Dr. Ronald L. Ellis said.
Tyler Mariucci Named the Director of Athletics Tyler Mariucci has worked in leadership roles at NCAA Division I institutions spanning the Big Ten, WCC and Mountain West Conference during great transformation and change. A former Division I FCS football student-athlete, Mariucci graduated with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2007 from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He received a master’s in kinesiology/sports management in 2010 from San Jose State. Mariucci, the son of former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci, is a third-generation collegiate student-athlete following the linage of his father and grandfather. “I’m very excited and honored to become the next Director of Athletics at CBU during this transformational time in the university’s history,” Mariucci said. “The commitment and strong conviction from university leadership to not only compete at the Division I level but to win at the highest level is exciting for me to be a part of and to lead. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.”
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CBU’s $40 Million Endowment Challenge
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Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
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A generous friend of California Baptist University has committed up to $10 million in matching funds for various School of Christian Ministries endowment opportunities. Through this individual’s deep desire to serve, he embraced being a Christian leader in the business world and his local church. It has given him a passion for Christians to understand and prize their work. Yet, no matter what that work may be, he ffrmly believes it is a gift of God and a service to others. Out of his desire to see others enjoy fellowship with God and fellow Christians, this friend wants to invest in students, particularly those pursuing a double-major with at least one of their majors being within the School of Christian Ministries. e H believes these students will use what they learn to become Christian leaders in their chosen vocation and profoundly impact local churches. This generous donor was speciffcally drawn to the CBU School of Christian Ministries for its mission of discipling a new generation of Christian leaders who will actively serve Christ and His church. He has since developed a close friendship with Dr. Chris Morgan, the dean of the School of Christian Ministries. e H has been a passionate and enthusiastic supporter for many years. iH s commitment to the Lord, focus on the students and the School of Christian Ministries, and the sense of urgency with which he acts has been catalytic to the growth of our programs, Dr. Morgan said. e H is a blessing. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all he has done and continues to do for CBU and the School of Christian Ministries. e H is a dear friend, and it is a o j y to share a life together with him. The speciffc new challenge is for CBU to seek $10 million in endowment gifts from other generous donors. When those gifts are combined with his, they will total $20 million. CBU has then agreed to match the combined $20 million, increasing the overall endowment of the School of Christian Ministries by up to $40 million. The opportunity presented will benefft not just the students of today, but generations to come. We so appreciate our friend’s heart and generous spirit and are excited to honor this challenge, said Paul Eldridge, vice president for University Advancement. 10
There are several ways to invest in this incredible opportunity, all of which will quadruple an original investment of $250 , 00 or more.
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He is a blessing. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all he has done and continues to do for CBU and the School of Christian Ministries. He is a dear friend, and it is a joy to share a life together with him.
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First, a Double Major Scholarship is given to traditional undergraduate students. It helps students grow in their biblical and theological understanding of God while focusing on their chosen career path. Their majors must include one from the School of Christian Ministries and an additional major from any other school or college at CBU. Next, scholarships for the Bachelor of Applied Theology program will allow students to focus on their studies as they pursue pastoral ministry while meeting the two-year internship requirement. Additionally, the School of Christian Ministries Excellence Fund provides additional funding to be used for immediate and urgent needs beyond budget dollars, such as scholarship increases, presentations, writings, and other matters that the Dean determines will bring excellence to the school. Other endowment opportunities may arise as we move forward with this challenge. Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president, noted the gift commitment is only the second of its size in CBU history, after a $10 million gift for the Troesh Engineering Building in 2016. This gift strengthens the foundation on which California Baptist University was built, said Ellis. The School of Christian Ministries is intrinsic to our mission. We feel privileged not only to be a benefactor of this donor’s generous heart but to have a cherished relationship with him based on our common values and goals.
CBU Endowment Surpasses $100 Million
When President Ronald L. Ellis, Ph.D., took the reins at California Baptist University 27 years ago, the focus was on growing enrollment. Though important, the growth of the university’s endowment was not a priority. At just $3.8 million it would need attention, but enlarging the student body and the bricks-and-mortar campus was the immediate goal.
(quasi-endowment), the CBU endowment has now surpassed $100 million.
Between 1994 and 2015, the endowment experienced slow but steady growth. Then in 2016, the CBU Board of Trustees approved an endowment matching program where every endowment gift over $25,000 would be matched dollar-for-dollar by the University. Because of this forward-thinking initiative, plus the generosity of many donors and an increase in board-designated endowment
Student enrollment at CBU continues to achieve healthy increases each year. In addition, the physical campus has grown dramatically through acquisitions and building initiatives over the years.
“We are forever grateful to the generous donors that have helped us reach this $100 million mark,” President Ellis said. “We continue to be blessed by many thoughtful supporters who believe in CBU as a university committed to the Great Commission.”
Now, a new $40 Million Endowment Challenge launches a bold goal to double the CBU endowment to $200 million in the next
ffve years, explained Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement. “Reaching the $100 million mark is a tremendous milestone, but we still have a long way to go,” Eldridge said. “This milestone marks an incredible foundation on which to begin the $40 Million Endowment Challenge. Because of the generosity of our donors, we are conffdent we can reach the goal of $200 million in the next ffve years.” “The $40 Million Endowment Challenge will play a key role in helping us reach that goal,” Eldridge said. To learn more about the $40 Million Endowment Challenge and endowment matching at CBU, please visit calbaptist.edu/ endowment-match.
Endurance Fund Helps CBU Emerge Strong as Ever In the spring semester of 2020, CBU refunded nearly $5 million in room and board charges to students who were required to leave campus for the last five weeks of the semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CBU also established a one-time COVID-19 Interruption Scholarship, a special scholarship given above and beyond normal financial aid, which has awarded over $10 million to CBU students experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic Because of many generous donors, the CBU Endurance Fund received over $800,000 in gifts to help offset these costs. As a result, CBU endured the crisis and emerged as strong as ever, completing projects and initiating new degree programs. By God’s grace and with the help of many friends in the Lancer Nation, CBU students continue to learn to live their purpose through excellent Christ-centered education.
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CBU Alumni Spotlights
Lucas Wehner, ’11/’12 Municipal Administrator Bad Liebenzell, Germany
Lucas Wehner, ’11/’12 , has been using his leadership skills to make a dierence in these precarious times. Lucas has been one of the few people who have cared for former employees of a shuttered Afghan agency in Germany. He helped rent three safe houses for the 350-plus former workers and their families while also helping evacuate those family members left behind in Kabul.
community of 3,600 residents in Germany. He serves the citizens of this community by problem-solving and advancing the town’s goals with his council members.
While living in Simmons aH ll her freshman year, Kristin Hernandez, ’11, began to read the Bible regularly and surround herself with likeminded friends and mentors. They all cared about and supported each other and built a strong community around their shared values and beliefs. This community and her ISP trips, helped her grow more in her compassion for others, leadership skills, and faith.
online ministry and write her book, S unlight in December: a Mother’s Story of Finding the Goodness of God in the Storm of Grief.
In all of his commitments, he realizes that it is about serving people, having a humble heart and being a shining light of Christ. Lucas believes the answer to changing this world is love and the knowledge that the Kingdom of Lucas came to California Baptist University God has already started in the heart of every in 2007 after speaking with Dr. Robert K. Christian. Lucas works to serve his students Jabs and his wife, Rita, while they were in and his community by living and leading Germany. Learning how Christ-centered CBU according to the verse, B “ eing condent of is, Lucas wanted to be a part of it. He majored this, that he who began a good work in you in business administration and political will carry it on to completion until the day of science and then stayed an additional year Christ Jesus.” P ( hilippians 1:6) and completed his MBA, none of it possible without the generous support of the Knuppe As he recently worked in the evacuation family who helped sponsor his studies at CBU. process of the Afghan people, Lucas saw rsthand the lesson of taking responsibility He returned to Germany in 2012 and began for others in every generation. I“ n these working for a small but growing Christian history-making moments, we must see university, Internationale Hochschule the world through His word and make our Liebenzell. In 2019, Lucas became a impact in service to others,” said Lucas. Municipal Administrator of Bad Liebenzell, a
Kristin was an English major with a o j urnalism minor. She had always loved communications and writing, but her classes allowed her to grow as a writer and communicator. Though she never expected God to lead her to write a book, the o j urney to realizing this dream was not easy.
Kristin Hernandez, ’11 Author Victorville, California
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Kristin and her husband Chris, ’10, have a y-3 ear-old son at home as well as ffve babies who are now with Jesus. Their ffrstborn son, Ethan, died shortly after birth in 2015 due to a rare chromosome disorder called Trisomy . 9 It was through Ethan’s life and death and Kristin’s struggle with God that she ultimately found iH s goodness in the middle of suering through prayer and reading iH s Word. This experience led Kristin to launch an
The ministry, also called Sunlight in December, includes her writings, speaking engagements, discipleship and a podcast called Through the Lens. Though most importantly, it has her walking alongside grieving mothers who have experienced infertility, miscarriage or the loss of an infant. Kristin hopes that others can ffnd the comfort of Jesus amid their suering. She wants those experiencing loss to know that God weeps with them and gives us space for biblical lament. She hopes to spread the message that our greatest hope is Christ, despite our circumstances. Kristin hopes to one day write a second book, but in the meantime, she is enjoying these God-given opportunities, loving on her family, connecting with friends over coee, running, riding roller coasters and taking in those sunny days.
Campus Bridge
These nine graduates are just a glimpse of the thousands of CBU graduates who have entered the workforce into professions for which they studied diligently at CBU. They are Living Their Purpose!
Upcoming Events 2021-2022 OCTOBER 22 Midnight Madness NOVEMBER 12-13 Parent and Family Weekend featuring the 29th Annual Fortuna Bowl
Briel Araujo, ’21 Activity Director Tampico Terrace Care Center
Anna Benson, ’20 Quality Control Chemist Pfizer, Inc.
Andres Coppendge-Calderon, ’21 Systems Engineer Naval Surface Warfare Center
NOVEMBER 30 Christmas Tree Lighting DECEMBER 5-6 A CBU Christmas Concert DECEMBER 15-16 Commencement FEBRUARY 11-12 Homecoming Feb. 11 | Celebration Dinner Feb. 12 Reunions
Laura Gage, ’21 English Teacher Sias University
Miguel Iniesta, ’20 Marketing Communications Coordinator Western Seminary
Peter Koo, ’20 Associate Editor, Creative Branding The Los Angeles Chargers
MARCH 29 CBU Day of Giving APRIL 7 Grandparents Day APRIL 11 Lancer Golf Classic APRIL 25-27 Commencement
Nidhi Thacker, ’20 Assistant Manager Deloitte
Nicole Wall, ’21 Neuroscience Nurse Haborview Medical Center
Mollyana Wood, ’21 Electronics Engineer Northrop Grumman
FOLLOW US! @CBUALUMNI @CBUPARENTS
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Parents are Making a Difference
Brian and Vesta with their son, Jackson, a 2021 CBU graduate.
Brian and Vesta Jaramillo Parents of Jackson Jaramillo, ’21
Brian and eV sta Jaramillo met in college and have been married for 29 years. They have three children, and their youngest, Jackson, is a recent graduate of CBU’s Bachelor of Applied Theology B ( AT) program. Brian currently serves as the Chief Operating Offcer at Tilden-Coil Constructors, where he began working after college. Brian was recently honored with the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award. The award honors individuals, couples or groups who have made signicant contributions to the city and community of Riverside, a tribute to the Jaramillo’s devotion to their community. When Jackson was awarded an academic achievement scholarship, Brian and eV sta wanted to give back to the university and, in 2018, established the Jaramillo Family Endowed Scholarship matched by CBU funds. In 2021, upon learning about CBU’s new $40M Endowment Challenge with a double-match that would u q adruple the size of their gift, they decided to establish a second endowed scholarship, the Jaramillo Family Double Major Endowed Scholarship.* Brian and eV sta said they wanted to be a part of contributing to the most signicant endowment endeavor in CBU’s history. This created an excellent opportunity to increase their impact in supporting CBU students. Brian believes that the double major allows secular degrees to be deeply rooted in theology and grounded in biblical truth. This type of education allows students to take those biblical truths into their workplaces and communities after graduation. Brian and eV sta feel that taking advantage of this incredible double-matching opportunity to support CBU students is not only rewarding but is also a legacy that will impact generations.
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The Jaramillos were very happy with Jackson’s experience at CBU, especially
how intentional student connections were at CBU. The small community life groups and dorm living helped Jackson thrive on campus. eV sta appreciates how CBU helps students develop into good citizens. Citizens who contribute to their communities and the lives of others beyond college. She added that every CBU graduate who remains in Riverside is a blessing to the community. Brian and eV sta say that being connected to the Riverside community is part of the value of a CBU educationproviding a head start in terms of employment after graduation. With a CBU BAT degree in hand, Jackson currently serves as the Junior iH gh Pastor at The Grove Community Church where Brian and eV sta have attended and served for 22 years. Now married to his CBU sweetheart, Jackson’s time on campus also gave the Jaramillos an addition to their family, an amazing daughter-in-law. A nal comment from the Jaramillos captures the experience of many CBU students and parents, CBU is an impactful, shining light in a sometimes-dark city, and it’s exciting to be a part of it. E * stablished in 2021 by a generous friend of CBU, the 4 $ 0M Endowment Challenge allows endowment gifts related to the School of Christian Ministries to have a greater impact. Our generous friend matches all gifts of 2 $ 5,000 or more. Then, the combined gifts are matched by CBU, u q adrupling the original investment. In addition, double major endowed scholarships support traditional undergraduate students with a major in CBU’s School of Christian Ministries and a major in any other college or school at CBU. This generous friend has committed up to 1$ 0 million in matching funds toward various School of Christian Ministries endowment opportunities.
The Cook Family (L to R): Natalie, ’08, Heidi, Jonathan, ’13, Mark and Candace (Cook) Vinje.
Mark and Heidi Cook With their son, Jonathan, a 2013 CBU graduate.
Mark and Heidi Cook met at First Southern Baptist Church of El Monte and attended Cal Poly Pomona. Married now for 40 years, Mark is a successful business owner whose holdings include Lord & Cook Ventures, Du Cook Me Tacos, Avalon Bagels to Burgers, and Kingdom Pies for Pieology. Heidi has taught school for 25 years and currently teaches third grade at Cedargrove Elementary School. Three of the couple’s four children attended CBU and continue to live their purpose as graduates. The Cooks believe their children were challenged to live out their Christian faith at CBU by biblically grounded professors. As parents, they appreciated the safety of the campus and surrounding areas. They love being associated with CBU and recommend students considering enrollment to j“ ust go!” Having been an executive board member for Southern Baptist Churches, Mark is very familiar with CBU’s peaks and
valleys through the years. He watched the university’s transformative growth with interest as Dr. Ellis’s v“ ision began to come to life.” Mark believes that e “ verything rises and falls with leadership” and appreciates Ellis’s steadfast commitment to CBU’s mission. With over four decades as worship leader at Glendora’s Grace Baptist Church, Mark considers music to be his ministry. Mark and Heidi’s rst gift to CBU’s music department for a Command Performance Concert was preceded by gifts to other CBU programs through the years. Since then, they have followed with many generous gifts, including a most recent contribution to CBU’s Commercial Music Program, which they believe reaches what the church needs today. Mark and Heidi say they were raised to be givers, giving has always been a part of their life, and “you can’t outgive God.”
What is the Parent Leadership Circle Members of the Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) play an instrumental role in community life at CBU and greatly enhance the university’s success. The PLC is a dedicated group of families who are shaping the present and future of CBU. The PLC exists to enrich the spiritual and academic environment at CBU through prayer, service, special events and financial support. Members of the PLC join together with CBU to enhance our students’ experience and expand the resources available to them on campus. PLC members commit to pray for CBU and give generously to CBU on an annual basis. They also receive exclusive invitations to special events throughout the year. To become a member of the Parent Leadership Circle, or for more information, please contact Kim Cunningham at kcunningham@calbaptist.edu or 951.343.4227.
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Top Ten Finish for Architecture Student
Andriani Sugianto, ’21 Current Graduate Student Hometowns: Palembang, Indonesia & Lafayette, Colorado An architecture student from California Baptist University is among the winners of a competition held by the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment. Andriani Sugianto, an architecture graduate student, was named one of the winners in the 2021 AIA COTE Top Ten for Students Competition. The competition is open to students at any program that is a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. This year, it received 800 submissions. Of those 800, the competition recognized 10 projects that integrated creative and innovative design strategies. The competition challenged students to provide design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Sugianto placed as a Top Ten winner for her Fairmount School of Art and Ecology entry. I am ecstatic about this accomplishment, Sugianto said. As I have grown over the years as an architecture student, I have sought to dedicate everything I do for the glory of God and to include iH m in my creative process. The more I allow God to be a part of my architectural o j urney, the more e H has blessed me.
Her entry is an elementary school that features an artfully scientiffc design and enhanced learning environments while maintaining high sustainability standards, Sugianto said. The project includes an understanding of ecology, water usage, energy consumption and user well-being. For example, the school uses timber instead of concrete and steel construction, which reduces carbon emissions. Sugianto said sustainability is a crucial consideration for architecture. Sustainability is vital to protect the environment and preserve human ourishing, Sugianto said. This establishes an exceptional level of responsibility for the architect to take care of the earth. At the root of it, sustainability stands essential because God desires humanity to nurture His creation and foster healthy lives. Caleb Walder, associate professor of architecture, said winning the competition is one of the highest levels of recognition a student of architecture can receive. It places our program among excellent and well-established programs from across the country who are equipping students to be leaders in the design of architecture, Walder said. It is a tremendous testament to the way God has blessed the CBU architecture program as it has developed over the past several years.
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150+ Majors, Minors and Concentrations 45+ Graduate Programs 7 Doctoral Programs
Engineering Students Build & Race Robots
Aviation Program Makes Great Strides
Teams of freshmen at California Baptist University spent the semester constructing robots that raced against each other in the Engineering Design Competition held in April 2021.
The Department of Aviation Science at California Baptist University recently made advancements with federal agencies that will help it better serve students.
The participants, who were enrolled in Introduction to Engineering Design, cheered as their robots moved across the table in an attempt to collect and deposit orbs.
First, the Federal Aviation Administration granted CBU its Air Agency Certiffcate as a Part 141 school. To achieve this, CBU was required to have dedicated training facilities, ight instructor oversight and FAA-approved course curriculum.
The annual competition, held in the Dennis and Carol Troesh Engineering Building, was limited to the participating students and faculty. The livestreamed event was part of the college’s 2021 Design Showcase, which also included junior design projects and senior capstone projects. Dr. Mark Gordon, associate professor of biomedical engineering, said the experience teaches students the design process. We try to teach them that they need to brainstorm a lot, Gordon said. Brainstorm from a big picture all the way down to the small components they need to use. Then they need to test and do a lot of iterations on it. Designing included a cardboard mockup, then laser-cut foam and 3D printing, and ffnally acrylic and more 3D printing, Gordon said. Students built robots that collected data remotely via sensors. Teams then used that data to collect orbs of varying values while minimizing energy, cost and time. Syedah Khawar, a chemical engineering freshman, said she learned how to collaborate with her team members. I also learned to share crazy ideas, Khawar said. We all contributed equally, so I feel that the one thing I learned is that you should share every idea that you have because you never know how beneffcial it’s going to be to your group.
It speaks to the excellence in the program because it’s a greater oversight by the FAA and represents over two years of hard work from many people, said Dr. John Marselus, chair of the Department of Aviation Science. CBU was granted provisional Part 141 status in September 2020. After receiving provisional, schools need to have 10 check rides with an 80 percent pass rate within two years to move to full certiffcation. CBU did it in under six months, Marselus said. With the certiffcation, CBU applied for restricted ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) approval, which allows college students to be employed by the airlines with 1,000 ight hours instead of 1,500 hours, Marselus said. CBU also revamped its two aviation science degree programs and in January, the Department of e V terans Aairs granted approval for veterans pursuing these degrees to receive A V funds. Finally, the FAA selected CBU for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative program. The program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, known as drones. CBU oers a minor in aviation unmanned aerial systems. We’re now one of those institutions that is cooperating with the FAA, Marselus said. This is a way to get CBU in the game, and CBU becomes part of the solution.
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Loyal Supporters of CBU are Leaving a Legacy
Bill and Marilyn Pierpoint at Palm Drive.
Bill, ’68 and Marilyn Pierpoint Riverside, California
The Palm Drive Legacy Society The Palm Drive Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift. Examples of planned gifts include charitable bequests, trusts, annuities, beneficiary designations from life insurance and/or an IRA. When including CBU in estate plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID. Legal Name: California Baptist University Location: 8 432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 Federal Tax ID Number: 95-1890710 Estate commitments to CBU leave a lasting legacy that will impact students for years to come! 18
At eighteen, Bill Pierpoint came to California with little money and no purpose. It wasn’t long before he found himself at a bus terminal in Los Angeles waiting for a one-way ride back to Nebraska and a life whose only call to him was familiarity. While waiting for the bus, Bill felt compelled to reach out to a friend who was the Chair of California Baptist College’s C ( BC) Board of Trustees at the time. iH s friend picked him up from the station, and over dinner, they poured through yearbooks from CBC and spoke about the possibility of Bill attending the college. The next day during a campus tour, his friend arranged for Bill to receive a basketball and track scholarship and a part-time position as a student worker so Bill would have the funds to attend. Bill says, God led me to CBC, and from the moment I entered the campus on Palm Drive, I was hooked. Before enrolling at California Baptist in 1961, Bill felt like a lost soul without a purpose, but the trajectory of his life changed the day he enrolled. He not only found the Lord at California Baptist, but he also ended up ffnding the love of his life, Marilyn, who was also attending CBC. Now married for nearly 60 years, the Pierpoints have three children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildrenincluding a son and a granddaughter who graduated from California Baptist University as well. The Pierpoints believe that CBU is a wonderful, God-honoring university that teaches students to really live their purpose as doctors, mothers, teachers (or whatever their vocation) to honor and glorify God. Bill and Marilyn have been consistent, faithful CBU supporters for decades. Bill says they struggled ffnancially for many years but gave
to various programs and projects as their interests and prayers led them, including a monthly gift to CBU. Bill’s original o j urney through Palm Drive has most recently led to their membership in the Palm Drive Legacy Society. The Pierpoints say the size of their estate gift is not earthshaking to CBU, but it might be earthshaking for some students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Theology B ( AT) program. The BAT program trains students preparing for fulltime vocational ministry. By naming their endowment The Pierpoint Family Endowed Scholarship, they hope to inspire future generations of Pierpoints to also give to CBU’s BAT program. Since making their estate gift commitment, the Pierpoints also decided to pre-fund their endowed scholarship with annual gifts, allowing them the blessing of assisting BAT students now. Bill and Marilyn would encourage anyone looking to leave a legacy at CBU through an estate gift or any other kind of planned gift to pray about it you couldn’t make a better choice! If you would like to learn more or o j in the Pierpoints by becoming a Palm Drive Legacy Society member, please contact: Curt Jarboe, CFPfi Director of Development 951.52.8026 | cjarboe@calbaptist.edu.
Creating a Legacy and Supporting CBU in the Process
More and more, CBU alumni and friends are choosing to make an estate gift commitment to CBU. Since 2018, almost $24 million in estate gift commitments have been designated to different scholarships, programs, schools and colleges at the university. An estate gift commitment not only helps CBU but it secures a legacy at the university.
TOTAL KNOWN ESTATE GIFTS COMMITTED TO CBU:
$23,294,327 $14,870,415 GIFT DESIGNATION Student Scholarships Undesignated Bachelor of Applied Theology Program
$5,200,000
CBU Fund Athletics
$10,000 $513,912
$2,700,000
Estate Gift Commitment is Largest in University History University Advancement is thankful to report a recent planned gift commitment of $5.3 million. This legacy gift from an anonymous donor is the largest estate gift commitment in CBU history to date. “CBU is profoundly grateful for this remarkably generous gift that will help the university carry out its mission far into the future,” said Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement. When the gift comes to fruition, the donor intends it to provide scholarships for students majoring in business in the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business. This planned gift will fund an endowment, ensuring that scholarships will continue in perpetuity. Donors who commit to estate gifts to CBU are members of the Palm Drive Legacy Society, which recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in the university’s future through a gift from their will, trust, annuity, life insurance or an IRA.
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Ways to Give
CBU Makes Giving Easy and Convenient
Give Now Online Whether you are giving a one-time gift or you would like to enroll in monthly giving, you can do it all in one place with your credit or debit card. It’s quick, easy and best of all it is completely secure. Visit us online at calbaptist.edu/give to learn more. Text to Give Simply text CBUFUND to 41444 and make your gift. Give by Check If your preferred method of giving is by check, please make your gift payable to CBU, denoting your designation, and mail it to: California Baptist University Office of University Advancement 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504 New: Cryptocurrency Giving Cryptocurrency, also known as Virtual Currency or “Crypto,” is a digital asset designed to function as an alternative to sovereign fiat currency (US Dollars, for example) whereby transactions
between two parties are verified through a public, distributed ledger, also known as a blockchain. Visit our website calbaptist.edu/give to find more information and to make a gift of cryptocurrency. Give a Gift of Stocks or Bonds A gift of stocks or bonds is a great way to support CBU. This charitable gift is typically tax-deductible and may avoid capital gains taxes. Give a Gift-In-Kind You can also help make a difference by donating non-monetary goods that can be used to help advance the mission of CBU. Gifts-in-Kind range from real estate, equipment and books to intangible personal property like securities, patents and licenses. These gifts are highly valuable and can greatly benefit the university both now and in the future. Give a Gift of Real Estate A gift of a property (such as your home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, or commercial property) can make a great gift. If you own
appreciated real estate, you may avoid paying capital gains tax by donating it to CBU. Give a Gift of Retirement Assets A gift of your retirement assets, such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax-deferred plan, is an excellent way to make a gift. Give a Bequest The Palm Drive Legacy Society recognizes alumni and friends who have invested in California Baptist University’s future through a planned gift. Examples of a planned gift include: • Bequests and trusts • Annuities • Charitable IRA rollovers • Beneficiary designations Matching Gifts Over 75,000 companies match their employee contributions to nonprofit organizations. Your company may be one of them! Go to our Matching Gifts page located at calbaptist.edu/ matching-gifts to see if your company matches charitable contributions.
If you have any questions about making a gift to CBU, please contact Kim Cunningham at 951.343.4227 or kcunningham@calbaptist.edu. 20
California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
Commencement 2021
